DISCOUNT supermarket chain Aldi is set to be given planning permission for its first store in Purbeck.

Members of Dorset Council’s eastern planning committee will be asked to approve proposals for it to redevelop the Upton Oil Company site when they meet on Wednesday.

Should councillors green light the scheme, it would be the first time either of the two German discounters has opened a supermarket in Purbeck.

Aldi submitted its planning application to redevelop the disused site last year and said it would “ensure Upton does not become a suburb of Poole”.

“The proposal will provide beneficial economic development, significantly enhancing the local shopping choice within Upton and the surrounding area,” a statement submitted on its behalf says.

“Furthermore, the proposals will address the limited discount food store provision in the area and assist in retaining expenditure in the area and reducing the need to travel to towns outside of Upton.”

It said the new supermarket would create “more than 30” new jobs and that it would “result in considerable economic benefits” for the area.

More than 300 people have written to Dorset Council supporting the application.

However, 24 objections have been submitted, including one from rival Lidl which said the scheme should be refused because of the impact it would have on Upton town centre.

Should the shop be built, it would be the first time either of the discounter chains have moved into Purbeck.

The planning application is due to be considered by Dorset Council’s eastern planning committee on Wednesday which will be recommended to approve it.

“The use of this site as a petrol station and oil depot has been established prior to the construction of the majority of the residential properties,” the report by planning officer Peter Walters says.

“The change of use of the site is likely to lead to an intensification of the use of the land compared to the business that was on the site previously.

“However, officers are mindful of the planning use of the site and accept that alterations could be made to the existing site that would also have the effect of increasing the intensity of the use.”

But concerns have been raised about the impact the supermarket would have on businesses Upton and similar shops in Poole.

The council commissioned an independent report on this which showed retailers in the village could lose out by as much 12.5 per cent. However, the Co-op in Poole Road could see a decease in custom of more than 20 per cent.

This prompted Mr Walters to recommend a condition restricting any future use of the site to solely discount retailers.

A final decision will be made by councillors on Wednesday (July 1).